New Bloomfield ups paid officer hours to compensate for staff loss

To make up for a loss in manpower, the New Bloomfield Board of Aldermen agreed to increase hours for Police Chief Chris Hammann and one other paid officer at its Thursday meeting.

Hammann approached the council with the proposal regarding himself and Patrol Sgt. Greg Mooney. According to Hammann’s monthly report, officer Andy Goetz had been terminated from the city.

“We wanted to ask about potentially absorbing those hours,” Hammann said. “We haven’t had two paid spots in some time. Each will receive 15 extra hours into myself and Officer Mooney and not have to hire, at least for a while.”

Hammann noted his department would continue to utilize volunteer reserve officers to work under their budget.

Alderman Greg Rehagen asked if the additional hours would put the department over budget, and City Clerk Terra Guittar said two paid officers at increased hours would still come in under the city’s budgeted 200 hours per month for paid officer time.